1/56th Scale British CMP 15cwt Truck

Rubicon Models have produced a really useful plastic kit that I didn’t really know I needed until I saw it! The Canadian Military Pattern truck which was produced in huge numbers in Canada during World War Two. The truck was used by virtually every nation that formed part of the British and Commonwealth forces, plus many were sent to the Soviet Union as part of the Lend Lease arrangement. Having served in every major theatre of operations in World War Two, the truck also saw post war service in Indonesia, during the French Indochina War and the Portuguese colonial wars in Africa.

The kit itself consists of two frames and separate cab and optional tarpaulin for the rear cargo bay. The kit itself consists of remarkably few main parts and some fairly small parts but actually seems quite simple to assemble. A nice touch is the inclusion of an optional driver and gunner figure for the included Bren gun.

The cargo bay can be modeled with or without a tarpaulin. If used without the cover, the open bay has the frame that would usually support the cover and includes some internal details to add a touch of realism.

When assembled, this would make a good, solid piece for wargaming usage. The choice of suitable paint colours and decals from the included sheet allows for the creation of a truck from various theatres and units. It is great to see that Rubicon are continuing to provide some unique items for the wargames market.